April 9, Year 41 of Konoha, Forest Street on the western side of Konoha.
Kushina Uzumaki's home was also on the village's western side, very close to Forest Street.
Early that morning, Akaseki met Ranwu and Minato at the entrance to Forest Street. Ranwu was a little surprised to see that he had brought Hikari along-not just anyone could meet Kushina...
Minato's expression flickered slightly as more possibilities ran through his mind.
"Huh? Hikari's coming too?" Ranwu asked outright in her surprise.
"Don't worry. Hikari and Kushina have similar backgrounds. They should have plenty to talk about," Akaseki explained.
"That's not what I meant..." Ranwu looked at Akaseki with even greater confusion. Whether Kushina and Hikari could get along wasn't what she was questioning.
"I'll explain things to the Anbu!" Akaseki declared with a wave of his hand.
Ranwu: ...
Explain?
So you didn't even apply for permission? You're just taking her there?
"I'm one of Konoha's Two Colors, after all. With me vouching for her, why shouldn't she be allowed in?" Akaseki said confidently when he saw Ranwu's look.
Applying would have been far too much trouble, and there was even a chance the request would be denied.
So Akaseki chose to go straight there!
A month ago, he wouldn't even have tried...
He would have been thrown out for sure!
But things were different now. Akaseki had achievements worthy of "Konoha's Two Colors" to his name. Even if he wasn't an elite jonin yet, his standing in the village was already roughly on that level.
Rules that had once been insurmountable obstacles for Akaseki could now all be bent "as a favor to me."
Of course, afterward... or even as soon as Akaseki brought Hikari inside, the Anbu would certainly report it to the Hokage.
But as long